By T.J. King
When you venture into the great outdoors, planning for food and drink is a vital part of ensuring your overlanding adventure is both enjoyable and stress-free. While traditional coolers with ice might work for a day trip, longer excursions call for a more sophisticated solution. Adding a 50-liter fridge to my overlanding rig has been a game-changer, and I wanted to share the benefits I’ve experienced.
1. Duration
Unlike traditional coolers, portable fridges maintain a consistent temperature, ensuring your perishables stay cold or frozen as needed. Yes, frozen. These fridges don’t just keep things cool—you can crank them down to icy temperatures.
This means you can comfortably bring fresh produce, a luxury often lost after day two with a traditional cooler. Plus:
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Your food stays colder for longer.
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There’s no messy ice melt, so your food remains dry.
2. Easier Access
With traditional coolers, keeping them in the shade and digging through melting ice to find what you need can be a hassle. Not to mention, organizing the contents to keep perishables at the bottom is a constant challenge.
Portable electric fridges eliminate these concerns. Accessing your items is simple and quick. It might seem like a small upgrade, but it’s a convenience you’ll definitely appreciate on the trail.
3. Energy Efficiency
Thanks to advancements in compressor technology, these fridges consume minimal power—a critical feature when you’re relying on off-grid energy sources like solar panels or portable batteries.
When I take my ADDAX Overlanding trailer out, I can run my fridge at full blast off the battery for over two days before needing to think about recharging. If you’re regularly moving your vehicle, the trickle charge feature on the ADDAX trailer is usually more than enough to keep the fridge powered without worry.
4. Storage Capacity and Space Efficiency
At 50 liters, these fridges strike the perfect balance between capacity and portability. They’re large enough to hold several days’ worth of supplies for individuals or small groups, making them ideal for extended trips.
I’ve found this size to be perfect for an overlanding rig. It takes up about the same amount of space as a cooler and often comes with features like reversible hinge lids for flexible access in tight setups. That lets you change what side of the fridge the door swings from.
5. Versatility for Various Needs
A mobile fridge isn’t just for food and drinks. Its versatility makes it an invaluable part of any overlanding setup. Consider these additional uses:
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Medical Supplies: Keep medications, first-aid items, or other temperature-sensitive supplies secure and properly chilled.
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Bear Vault: Having one more layer between your food and the outside world helps deter bears and other wildlife from sneaking into your camp.
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Leftovers: You can now re-chill leftovers, giving you the freedom to bring larger meals and stretch your food supply further.
6. Cost-Effectiveness in the Long Run
While a 50-liter mobile fridge has a higher upfront cost than a traditional cooler, it proves to be a cost-effective investment over time:
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Reduced Food Waste: With better preservation, your food lasts longer, saving you money.
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Fewer Restocking Trips: You’ll spend less on frequent stops for ice or replacement supplies.
Don’t Forget Your Explorer Bear!
At ADDAX Overland, we believe every adventure deserves a touch of personality and charm. That’s why our Summit trailers come with an Explorer Bear fridge—a unique companion to join you on your journeys.
Conclusion
A 50-liter mobile fridge is more than just a convenience—it’s a tool that opens up new possibilities for your adventures. As you prepare for your next overlanding trip, consider adding this versatile upgrade to your setup. With a mobile fridge in your rig, you can focus on the journey and leave the stress of food storage behind. Let us know your thoughts, and happy overlanding!